EGGciting run

EGGciting run

Good Life Taylor hosts annual 5K

HUNTER DWORACZYK hunter.dworaczyk@taylorpress. net

Taylor was living the Good Life this past weekend.

Good Life Taylor hosted its annual 5K race in the morning Saturday, Oct. 14 at Bull Branch Park. The morning began with an adult 5K at 8 a.m. and was followed by the Kids’ K at 9:45 a.m.

“We had another wonderful 5K and we could not have asked for better weather,” Julie Rydell of Good Life Taylor said. “We raised nearly $30,000 to go toward the Fitness Park project and we had a whole lot of fun.”

Tyler Shirley was the top male overall runner, while Kennedy Wilson was the top female overall runner.

Kid competitors in the 8-9 age division prepare at the starting line at the Good Life Taylor event. Winners received a chicken hat.

Photos by Hunter Dworaczyk

Good Life Taylor’s chicken mascot cheered runners on as they crossed the finish line.

Jamie Cleveland was the top masters overall male and Michelle Cleveland was the top masters overall female.

“There were 66 kids who ran in the kids’ race, which everyone enjoyed watching the youngest runners pass through the giant rainbow arch to the finish line,” Rydell said.

Other events included chicken bingo and a confetti egg battle to end the day.

“We tossed 1,200 confetti eggs into the field and had a giant confetti egg battle with kids and grownups,” Rydell said.

Good Life Taylor is a nonprofit that raises money for community events and community projects, with a specific focus on the city’s parks department. One of the organization’s more recent projects is the completion of Percussion Park, which was funded last year.

Now the nonprofit, in partnership with the city, is raising funds to restore the track at Memorial Field and add a fitness park to the area. The goal is to add exercise equipment mounted to the ground while also bringing in playground structures as well.

“The idea is that people will come and do a lap and then they can stop and work out at one of the stations and then get back and walk another lap,” Rydell said. “Then there will be a family-friendly space. Since it’s all contained, we’re hoping parents will feel comfortable bringing their kids and letting them stay while they get their workout in.”